Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum is an interesting way to provide normal to very dry skin with a short but very effective roster of ingredients that can restore a healthy skin-barrier function, all while supplying elements that skin needs to look and feel its best. Cell-communicating ingredients and skin-restoring ceramides join two forms of antioxidant vitamin A as well as some vitamin E. As claimed, these capsules are fragrance- and preservative-free. They are definitely a consideration for those dealing with eczema or rosacea (assuming your rosacea-prone skin is not also oily).

Claims

Pure, potent, intensive single dose capsules. Our innovative CLX Complex delivers the restorative power of Ceramides and essential lipids to help strengthen skin's barrier against the visible signs of time. Visibly improves skin tone and clarity. Supports skin's own natural collagen levels for a firmer, more resilient look. Works to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Retexturizes skin for a noticeably softer, smoother look. Fragrance, preservative and emulsifier free.

Former nurse Elizabeth Arden was a pioneer in the beauty industry. At the turn of the 20th century, Arden began her legacy when she opened her first salon, with the now-familiar red door. Over the next several years she introduced new products and services to women unaccustomed to such choices, and almost single-handedly made it acceptable for modern women to wear makeup. And while Arden understood and met these beauty needs, she was also adept at self-promotion and packaging, helping to solidify the idea that what holds the product should be as beautiful as the woman who uses it. She was the front-runner in the cosmetics industry for quite some time, until another young go-getter by the name of Estee Lauder began her own empire—one that would eventually lead to the Elizabeth Arden line being almost an afterthought in the mind of many consumers.

Not only has Arden's image been diminished over the years due to odd distribution patterns (consumers were getting mixed messages as this prestige line began showing up in drug and discount chain stores), but also through their own formulary mistakes and seeming unwillingness to pay attention to current research. Given the history of this line and several outstanding products they've produced in the past, it's very frustrating that what's offered today is such a mishmash of good and bad, with a hefty dose of average. Arden still has several sunscreens that fall short by leaving out sufficient UVA protection. In contrast, Estee Lauder and the Lauder-owned lines have their sunscreen acts together and consistently impress by including other state-of-the-art goodies to amplify the environmental protection of their moisturizers.

Many of Arden's products also contain potentially problematic ingredients or are packaged in a way that puts the light- and air-sensitive ingredients at risk of breaking down shortly after the product is opened. Given Elizabeth Arden's (the woman) pioneering, innovative spirit, we can't imagine her being completely pleased with the state of her namesake skin-care line (Arden passed away in 1966). Having the gorgeous Catherine Zeta-Jones as a spokesmodel for most of the early 2000s may have raised more interest in this brand than in years past, but a pretty face and eye-catching ads don't always translate to good skin care, as evidenced by the reviews on this site. There are some very impressive products in this line, but it's definitely one that demands careful attention to what you're buying lest you put your skin at risk.

Cosmetics trailblazer Elizabeth Arden may have been single-handedly responsible for bringing modern makeup to American women (she opened the famous Red Door Salon in 1910 and formulated the first blush and tinted powders in 1912), but today's lineup of Arden makeup has far more disappointments than its pioneering namesake would have liked. Most of the Arden foundations with sunscreen either leave out the five prime UVA-screening active ingredients or because their SPF numbers are unnecessarily low. Either way, only one of the foundations with sunscreens can be relied on as your sole source of facial sun protection.

In contrast to the mostly disappointing foundations, you'll be pleased with what Arden offers for concealer, eyeshadow, lipstick, and mascara. Each of these categories has some brilliant products to consider, and they serve to prove, at least to a modest extent, that Elizabeth Arden makeup is not to be counted out just yet. The remaining products have little to extol, either because they are truly ineffective or because the competition has Arden beat by a mile. A continual bright spot for Arden is that their tester units are typically well organized and the colors are grouped so it's easy to zero in on what you like.

About the Experts

The Beautypedia Research Team is dedicated to helping you find the absolute best products for your skin, using research-based criteria to review beauty products from an honest, balanced perspective. Each member of the team was personally trained by Paula Begoun herself.

I absolutely love these capsules! I have dry, sensitive skin and suffer from rosacea. I have never had a bad reaction using these capsules, and have done so every night for the past 6-7 months. I also appreciate the fact that every application is in a sealed capsule, so there is no degradation of ingredients or cross contamination that can occur. The price may be a bit high, but if you order through Elizabeth Arden they are always having sales of some kind. Well worth it!!

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Reviewed by

MB

01.16.2015

addicted

This product i can not go without. My skin is addicted. One of my favorite products ever.

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Reviewed by

violet, c

11.28.2014

Great product

I love this stuff! Great results. I only like to use 1 product at night, and this is great because it's a serum but is also very moisturising--I don't use moisturiser on top of this. It gives an instant glow too. I don't use it on my nose though--it might clog the pores as it's a bit rich, and possibly cause blackheads.
I also like how it's individually packaged so the ingredients don't degrade.

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Reviewed by

Rachel

11.14.2014

My One TRUE Love Serum

LOVE this product. I dont find the capsules 'fiddly' or cumbersome at ALL. In fact, I am reassured in the fact that my investment is protected. Like an insurance really. It took a month or so of steady twice a day use as directed..but Im seeing a NOTABLE difference in my skin.

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Reviewed by

BigSkySkinz

10.16.2014

Love! Love! Love!

I have dry skin and can't seem to find anything to help manage and correct. I've tried inexpensive to very expensive products and nothing works like this product. It's oily going on my skin but then dries rather quickly. It's luxurious and yes, I use mine once per day since it's so expensive. I don't mind the capsules. The product is protected from air and the elements that could break it down. This is a sure hit for me and am going to recommend others give it a try!

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Amy D

09.19.2014

Using it for 2 years now

These capsules are fairly pricey, but I usually don't use a full one a day. I think they recommend two a day for face/neck/chest. I have no more crapey eye skin...it's the only thing i put on my eyes(lids and brow and under) I stretch it out by mixing it with a Vitamin C serum for my face,neck and chest. Pure drops of gold...never want to be without! It seems a little oily going on, but quickly soaks in. I put my eyeshadow on 15 minutes later. I'm 47 with dry/combo skin and sun damage :(

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Linda S.

01.12.2014

expensive & useless

I used Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum for 6 weeks. No results. I don't like the expense, the fiddly capsules. It's good in that it's non irritating and unscented.
Not good value for money.
I found *CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion* is much better. It makes my skin glow, reduces pores, non irritating. Also, the price is reasonable so I can use it on my body as well as face/neck.

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Reviewed by

NotSoMuch

11.23.2013

Excellent serum!

These are excellent. Feels lovely and silky upon application.It's like an oil but I was surprised at how quickly it absorbs.These little gems are full of goodness. I'm using around eyes with no irritation at all.I can't say if these have improved my skin as I use PC products and my skin's not bad to begin with. But these will help keep it that way.As for the price,not cheap but I don't think the price is that bad.I use these in the mornings and my PC serum at night.Combinationn seems to work.

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Roma

11.14.2013

Love the capsules

I love it how it feels on my skin, makes it soft and hydrated especially in cold weather

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Bozena, b

09.08.2013

Oily but amazing!

I've tried various serums and this is the standout. My sensitive skin doesn't tolerate fragrance. My skin started getting so dry in winter that even fragrance-free options burned. NOT pleasant! Desperate, I tried a sample of Ceraminde and was hooked. Over a year later it *still* works to keep my skin soft/hydrated (many products seem to loose their magic), using 3 or 4 times/week. It goes on oily but soaks in once covered with (even a very basic) mositurizer. Fantastic product (if pricey)!